We are a retired couple from Punta Gorda, Fla., who took refuge from
Hurricane Irma
in New Orleans and had the most heartwarming experience. While enjoying Cajun cuisine at the Diamond Bar and Grill on Sunday night (Sept. 10) right after Irma hit, we struck up a conversation with a
New Orleans police
officer who was eating at the adjoining table.

When we said we had just evacuated from Florida, it led to an exchange of stories about past experiences with past hurricanes including
Charley
and
Katrina
. He told us that he and his family lost their home and had to live in a FEMA trailer afterward and that six of his seven immediate family members also lost their homes. In spite of all this, he remained so positive about the Crescent City and emphasized that, having been born in New Orleans, he would never leave.

After he finished eating, he wished us well and shook our hands on his way out. When we were done and our bill came, to our surprise our server explained that it had been paid by the gentleman next to us who had just left! This simple unexpected act of kindness brightened an otherwise worrying day. He knew what devastation a hurricane can do and was genuinely concerned about us. And we don't even know his name so we can thank him.

The New Orleans Police Department is fortunate to have such a generous and caring man on staff.